Home
At the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration (TSPPPA), we believe that informed and engaged citizens can improve every sector of society. Part of George Washington University’s Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, TSPPPA has more than 60 years of history offering the highest quality graduate education in public policy, public administration and environmental and sustainability policy.
Join the Graduate Programs Open House: October 21–November 1
Registration is now open for GW's Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS) Graduate Programs Open House! The event features program-specific information sessions and opportunities to interact with current graduate students, faculty and our admissions team.
TSPPPA will host virtual information sessions for prospective graduate students on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 12 p.m. and Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 12 p.m. EDT. Attendees will receive an application fee waiver.
#16 in Public Affairs Schools
TSPPPA's 2024-2025 rankings by U.S. News and World Report:
International/Global Policy & Administration: 6
Public Management & Leadership: 9
Homeland Security & Emergency Management: 9
Public Finance and Budgeting: 13
Overall Public Affairs: 16
Social Policy: 16
Non-Profit Management: 17
Public Policy Analysis: 23
In our top-ranked degree programs, students gain knowledge, networks and experience that advances their careers in government, nonprofit and business and build interdisciplinary toolkits that are relevant to all sectors.
$1.7M
provided in financial awards to students each year
95%
graduates employed, not seeking a job or in school within 6 months of graduation
4,200
alumni working in wide-ranging fields across the globe
80+
career programs hosted
each year
WHAT WE DO
LOCATION
Enjoy and leverage TSPPPA's unique Washington, D.C. location — blocks from the White House — while you enhance your professional qualifications for work anywhere.
EXPERTISE
Our faculty are sought-after experts and gifted teachers. They are caring mentors and advocates who thrive on helping our students succeed.
CAREER OUTCOMES
We offer tailored professional advancement programs and lifelong services for students and alumni at all career stages seeking meaningful work.
CARING COMMUNITY
We are fiercely committed to an equitable, collaborative learning environment, meaning students have a voice in leadership roles and professional development opportunities.
TAILORED EDUCATION
Customize your degree to your life — and your public service aspirations — with part-time options, night or daytime courses and a personalized capstone program.
OUR PROGRAMS
100+
alumni volunteers helping the school each year
#4
median salary ranking for MPA graduates of top public affairs schools, GradReports
18
graduate degree and certificate options
100%
top U.S. public affairs journals with TSPPPA faculty as editors/authors
“The MPA program gave me a real glimpse of the type of work I can expect as a public servant. For me, it was important when I chose a graduate program that I was learning skills that could be immediately applied in my career, and I find myself doing this every day.”
Alivia Roberts, MPA '20
Political Appointee, U.S. Department of Justice